This model doesn't want to be an actress!

Deepa Chari started modelling seven years ago. Then she dabbled in movies and returned to the ramp. She walked for Masaba Gupta on Day Three of the Lakme Fashion Week. She tells us how she gets flat abs, toned legs and why she wouldn't want to go back to movies.

How long has it been since you started modelling?

Well, it's been a long time -- 2003 actually -- but I took a break for a while before I returned to modelling.

So you've been around for seven years. What would you say have been your learnings?

One that there is no end to learning. Two: there is no alternative to hard work.

But most importantly you need to be patient.

How do you get flat abs and toned legs?

(Laughs) Four sets of 15 crunches every day for flat abs. For toned legs I don't do anything in particular except play badminton. I love the game and have been playing for years. A lot of Indian women have problems with their thighs but I feel if you follow a sport regularly it won't be a problem.

Okay let's see, the things you don't leave your house without?

My wallet and my house keys!

What kind of music do you listen to?

Hindi romantic numbers -- I am a sucker for them!

What about movies?

I enjoy family entertainers and comedy flicks. Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Andaz Apna Apna are two of my all time favourite films

How do you de-stress?

I step away from the crowd and try and spend some time with myself. There is nothing more rejuvenating than being by yourself.

What would you say are the keys to succeed in this profession?

You have to network and ensure that you meet right people. Secondly and more importantly you need to work hard, really hard!

Do movies figure in your future plans?

(Laughs) No. I've actually been there and done that! I am happy with modelling right now and plan to be here for a while.

Have you also done commercials? Or are you just a ramp model?

I have done a couple of commercials -- the most prominent of them is the Fastrack commercial with John Abraham.

What films have you done?

I have worked in the South and have done a Tamil movie called Balam. It starred Arvind Kumar and was directed by Murali Krishna.

Then there's a film for Anubhav Sinha productions called Kabootar that is awaiting release.

But I don't see myself doing a lot of films unless I like the characters I am playing. I'm quite happy walking the ramp right now!